Shoulder pads with head and neck protection

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a shoulder pad for use in a contact sport, such as football, hockey or lacrosse. The shoulder pad includes a pair of arch members, each having an upper portion, a front portion depending from the upper portion, and a rear portion depending from the upper portion. The shoulder pad further includes at least one side pad assembly having an epaulet and a shoulder cap, wherein the shoulder cap overlies the wearer&#39;s shoulder region and the epaulet overlies both the arch member and the shoulder cap. The epaulet portion extends vertically to protect the head and neck of the wearer.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a shoulder pad assembly worn by aplayer in a contact sport, such as football, lacrosse or hockey.Specifically, the shoulder pad assembly has extended epaulets thatprovide protection to the head and neck of the wearer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In most contact sports, the players are required to wear an assortmentof protective gear, including shoulder pads, to reduce the occurrence ofinjury. For example, conventional football shoulder pads are bilaterallysymmetrical and are generally comprised of right and left body archmembers which extend over the shoulders and include anterior andposterior portions, or depending chest and back portions, which overliethe chest and back of the athlete. The posterior portions, or dependingback portions may be permanently hinged together along a vertical axisover the athlete's back or spine, while the anterior portion, ordepending chest portions, are connected together on a vertical line overthe athlete's sternum as by means of straps or lacing.

A side pad assembly, comprising an epaulet and a shoulder cap, is linkedby multiple connectors to the body arch member. The side pad assemblyprotects the player's shoulder wherein a portion of the body arch memberoverlies the acromioclavicular area (the “A.C.” area), which includesthe clavicle and the acromion, where the latter is the lateral extensionof the spine of the scapula. In general, the A.C. area of the shoulderextends from the base of the neck downwardly towards the tip of theshoulder, or deltoid muscle. With conventional shoulder pad designs, theepaulet is pivotally connected to the arch member by a first strap andthe shoulder cap is pivotally connected to the arch member by a secondstrap, wherein the epaulet overlies the shoulder cap.

The structural members, such as the body arch members, the shoulder capsand the epaulets, are manufactured from a material having the requisitestrength characteristics to withstand the forces of impact incurredwhile playing a contact sport. Conventional shoulder pads may alsoinclude a strap of material which has its ends fixedly secured to thebody arch member, as by rivets or other suitable connectors. Typically,these straps are referred to as cantilever straps, and they support thebody arch members in a spaced relationship from the pad body, as well asfrom the shoulder of the player. Existing shoulder pads also utilize anumber of distinct interior pads disposed beneath the body arch members,wherein the interior pads are either fixedly secured, or releasablysecured, to the body arch members.

Unlike football shoulder pads which include two distinct pads, theepaulet and the cap, which overlie the player's shoulder for protectionthereof, of conventional hockey and lacrosse pads feature only theshoulder cap. Hockey and lacrosse pads do not include the additionalepaulet for a number of reasons, including the oversized configurationof the cap, the lower profile of the shoulder pads, and the reducedlevel of contact in these sports compared to football.

None of the conventional shoulder pads provide for protection above thebase of the neck. Specifically, the wearer's head and neck areagenerally require separate devices for protection. While helmets protectthe head of the wearer, there remains an epidemic of head injuries infootball, hockey, and lacrosse. Major concerns have arisen from the headinjuries, most notably concussions. Even with developments in helmetdesign and technology, the high risk of concussions is ever present.Additionally, while there are existing products, such as rolls orcollars attached to the shoulder pads that are meant to restrict themovement of the helmet, that aid in protecting the neck of the wearer,those products are problematic in that they can unduly limit the abilityof the wear to move their head

Therefore, there is a need in the art for a shoulder pad with a means ofproviding additional support for the head and neck without restrictingthe movement of the head or neck. In particular, the ability for adevice to reduce the chance of direct impact to the head of an athletewould greatly reduce the occurrence of concussions in athletes that playcontact sports. Furthermore, there is also a need for a shoulder padwhich protects the neck of an athlete, while not restricting headmovement. The present invention is provided to solve the problemsdiscussed above and other problems, and to provide advantages andfeatures not provided by existing shoulder pads. The advantages of thepresent invention will be explained and will become obvious to oneskilled in the art through the summary of the invention that follows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a shoulder pad that is to be worn by aparticipant of a contact sport, including, but not limited to, football,hockey or lacrosse. The shoulder pad includes a first body arch member,a second body arch member, a left side pad assembly connected to theleft body arch member, and a right side pad assembly connected to theright body arch member. Each side pad assembly consists of an epauletand a shoulder cap.

According to one aspect of the invention, the epaulet extends verticallyalong the same axis of the wearer's spine. The vertical epaulet is tallenough to deflect a potential collision, yet short enough to allow thewearer to see over. Thus, the wearer's head is protected frompotentially devastating impacts from the side. These lateral impacts canoften lead to concussions. Furthermore, by preventing lateral impactionsdirectly to the wearer's head, the potential for neck and spinal cordinjuries is greatly reduced. The epaulets are far enough away from thehelmet as to not restrict the helmet itself in any way. Thereby, thewearer's head movement is in no way compromised by the epaulet.

According to another aspect of the invention, the shoulder pad assemblyincludes a protrusion which extends vertically along the same axis ofthe wearer's spine. The protrusion is located between the epaulets andthe opening for the neck. The vertical protrusion is tall enough todeflect a potential collision, yet short enough to allow the wearer tosee over. Thus, the wearer's head is protected from potentiallydevastating impacts from the side. These lateral impacts can often leadto concussions. Furthermore, by preventing lateral impactions directlyto the wearer's head, the potential for neck and spinal cord injuries isgreatly reduced. The protrusions are far enough away from the helmet asto not restrict the helmet itself in any way. Thereby, the wearer's headmovement is in no way compromised by the protrusion.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a shoulder padapparatus, the apparatus comprising two body arch portions, each of thebody arch portions comprising a front portion, an upper portion with anouter edge and curved inner edge, and a rear portion, wherein the frontportion of each body arch portion and the rear portion of each body archportion form a central opening defined by the curved inner edge of eachbody arch portion; a shoulder cap assembly on each of the body archportions that is operably connected to the outer edge of the upperportion of each of the body portions; and an epaulet on each of the bodyarch portions and comprising an outer face and an inner face, whereinthe epaulet extends vertically from the upper portion of the body archportion such that the epaulet covers and abuts both a portion of theupper portion of the body arch portion and a portion the shoulder capassembly.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the bodyarch portions is substantially bilaterally symmetrical.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the bodyarch portions is configured to extend continuously over the shoulders ofwearer with the front portion covering the chest of the wearer, theupper portion covering the shoulders of the wearer, and the rear portioncovering the upper back of the wearer.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shoulder padapparatus further comprises an interior pad assembly reversiblyconnected to and covering at least a portion of an inner surface of thebody arch portions.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the epaulet has ananterior portion with a sweptback front vertical edge.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the epaulet is asloped projection that increases in height from the outer edge to thecurved inner edge of the upper portion of the body arch portion.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the epaulet is anL-shaped projection that increases in height from the outer edge to thecurved inner edge of the upper portion of the body arch portion and theouter face of the epaulet has a concave portion.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the epaulet is anL-shaped projection that increases in height from the curved inner edgeto the outer edge of the upper portion of the body arch portion and theinner face of the epaulet has a concave portion.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the epaulet is ablock-shaped projection that is substantially even in height from theouter face of the epaulet to the inner face of the epaulet.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a shoulder padapparatus, the apparatus comprising: two body arch portions, each of thebody arch portions comprising a front portion, an upper portion with anouter edge and curved inner edge, and a rear portion, wherein the frontportion of each body arch portion and the rear portion of each body archportion form a central opening defined by the curved inner edge of eachbody arch portion; a shoulder cap assembly on each of the body archportions that is operably connected to the outer edge of the upperportion of the body portion; an epaulet on each of the body archportions that is contoured to cover both a portion of the upper portionof the body arch portion and a portion of the shoulder cap assembly; anda protrusion on each of the body arch portions that projects verticallyfrom the upper portion of the body arch portion.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the protrusion isformed between the epaulet and the curved inner edge of the upperportion of each of the body arch portions.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the protrusion hasan anterior portion with a sweptback front vertical edge.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the protrusion hasan anterior portion and a posterior portion that extends away from theanterior portion in a substantially perpendicular direction towards thecurved inner edge of the upper portion of the body arch portion.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a shoulder padapparatus, the apparatus comprising: two epaulets each comprising anouter face and an inner face and extending vertically from an upperportion of the shoulder pad apparatus, wherein there is one of theepaulets positioned on each side of the shoulder pad apparatus between amedial line of the shoulder pad apparatus and a lateral edge on each ofthe sides of the shoulder pad apparatus.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the epaulet has ananterior portion and a posterior portion that extends away from theanterior portion in a substantially perpendicular direction towards themedial line of the shoulder pad apparatus.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the epaulet is asloped projection that increases in height from the lateral edge of theshoulder pad apparatus to the medial line of the shoulder pad apparatus.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the epaulet is anL-shaped projection that increases in height from the lateral edge ofthe shoulder pad apparatus to the medial line of the shoulder padapparatus and the outer face of the epaulet has a concave portion.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the epaulet is anL-shaped projection that increases in height from the medial line of theshoulder pad apparatus to the lateral edge of the shoulder pad apparatusand the inner face of the epaulet has a concave portion.

Compared to conventional shoulder pads, the present invention provides anumber of advantages. The vertical epaulets provide a considerableamount of additional protection to the wearer's head and neck. This isachieved without restricting the mobility of the wearer's head, andwithout reducing the visibility of the wearer. Likewise, the verticalshoulder protrusions provide similar protection and mobility.Furthermore, due to the integrated construction of the verticalassembly, the shoulder pad is more comfortable for the participant towear while playing the contact sport than convention neck protectors.

The foregoing summary of the present invention with the preferredembodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention.It should be understood and obvious to one skilled in the art that theembodiments of the invention thus described may be further modifiedwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Otherfeatures and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing specification taken in conjunction with the followingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shoulder pad in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a frontal view of a shoulder pad in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a left side view of a shoulder pad in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a shoulder pad inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a frontal view of a second embodiment of a shoulder pad inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a left side view of a second embodiment of a shoulder pad inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a shoulder pad inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a frontal view of a third embodiment of a shoulder pad inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a left side view of a third embodiment of a shoulder pad inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a shoulder padin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a frontal view of a fourth embodiment of a shoulder pad inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a left side view of a fourth embodiment of a shoulder pad inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a shoulder pad inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a frontal view of a fifth embodiment of a shoulder pad inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 15 is a left side view of a fifth embodiment of a shoulder pad inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a shoulder pad for use in a contactsports, including, but not limited to, football, hockey and lacrosse. Ina preferred embodiment, the shoulder pad comprises a pair of archmembers, each having an upper portion, a front portion depending fromthe upper portion, and a rear portion depending from the upper portion.In the preferred embodiment, the shoulder pad further comprises at leastone side pad assembly having an epaulet and a shoulder cap, wherein theshoulder cap overlies the wearer's shoulder region and the epauletoverlies both the arch member and the shoulder cap. In the preferredembodiment, the epaulet portion extends vertically to protect the headand neck of the wearer.

While this invention may be suitably configured in a variety ofembodiments, there are a number of preferred embodiments that are shownin the drawings and herein described with the understanding that thepresent disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of theprinciples of the invention and is not intended to limit the broadaspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated. One of ordinaryskill in the art would appreciate that the invention may be designed ina variety of configurations without departing from the spirit and thescope of the present invention.

Turning now to FIGS. 1-3, a shoulder pad assembly 10 in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention. The shoulder pad 10 isconfigured to be worn by a participant of a contact sport, such asfootball, hockey or lacrosse. In a preferred embodiment, the shoulderpad 10 comprises a first or right body arch member 20, a second or leftbody arch member 22, a right interior pad assembly 24 flexibly connectedto the right body arch member 20, and a left interior pad assembly 26flexibly connected to the left body arch member 22. Thus, the archmember 20, 22 is a single piece that extends between the wearer's lowerchest region and lower back region. The right arch member 20 and rightinterior arch pad 24 are bilaterally symmetrical to the left arch member22 and the left interior pad 26. In the preferred embodiment, theshoulder pad assembly 10 further comprises a right interior pad assembly24 removably affixed to the right body arch member 20 and a leftinterior pad assembly 26 removably affixed to the left body arch member22. Alternatively, the interior pad assemblies 24, 26 are permanentlyaffixed to the respective body arch members 20, 22. A main body isdefined by the left and right body arch members 20, 22 which areoperably joined to form the main body. The main body generally overliesthe player's A.C. area and helps to protect that area. The terms player,participant and wearer are used herein to denote a person that wears theshoulder pad assembly 10 for use in a contact sport.

As shown in FIG. 1-2, the front portions of the body arch members 20, 22are connected by non-permanent attachment 28 over the wearer's sternum.Each body arch member 20, 22 comprises at least one means for adjustablyconnecting the front portion 28. In the preferred embodiment, thenon-permanent attachment 28 could be laces, buttons, straps, hook andloop, or any number of attachment mechanisms. One the other hand, therear portions of the arch members 20, 22 are spaced a distance apart andare connected by at least one strap or hinge (not shown) affixed to thearch members 20, 22. The rear portion of the arch members 20, 22 aregenerally permanently attached, but may be detachable so as to beadapted for use in a particular contact sport. One of ordinary skill inthe art would appreciate that the arch members could be connectable witha variety of attachment mechanisms, and embodiments of the presentinvention are contemplated for use with any such attachment mechanisms.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a pectoral pad 42,44 is attached to the upper front portion of the arch member 20, 22. Inthe preferred embodiment, the pectoral pad 42, 44 extends laterally fromthe arch member, where the pectoral pad 42, 44 is flexibly attached tothe arch member 20, 22 by means of a strap. Additionally, the pectoralpad 42, 44 may be permanently attached to the arch member 20, 22. In thepreferred embodiment, the right pectoral pad 42 is bilaterallysymmetrical to the left pectoral pad 44. One of ordinary skill in theart would appreciate that there are many suitable configurations for apectoral pad, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplatedfor use with any such configuration.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shoulder padmay further comprise epaulets 30, 32 that rests over the shoulder orupper portion of each arch member 20, 22. Unlike conventional shoulderpad epaulets, which are generally thin and flat, the present inventionepaulet 30, 32 extends vertically. In the preferred embodiment, theepaulet 30, 32 is ramp shaped, increasing in height from the lateralboundary to the medial line of the shoulder pad. As a result, theepaulet 30, 32 creates a deflection ramp to divert the force of animpact up and away from the user's head. In the preferred embodiment,the epaulet 30, 32 connects to the arch member 20, 22 with at least oneflexible, permanent strap and covers the upper, lateral portion of thearch member 20, 22, as well as covering a portion of the shoulder cap34, 36. The anterior portion of the epaulet 30, 32 is generally sweptback so as not to block the wear's view. Additionally, the height of theepaulet 30, 32 is below eye-level of the wearer. In the preferredembodiment, the posterior portion of the epaulet 30, 32 may wrapmedially around the back of the neck. The right epaulet 30 isbilaterally symmetrical to the left epaulet 32. One of ordinary skill inthe art would appreciate that there are many suitable designs for anepaulet, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated foruse with any such design.

At the lateral edge of the upper shoulder portion of each arch member20, 22 is the shoulder cap 34, 36. In the preferred embodiment, theshoulder cap 34, 36 is flexibly, permanently attached to the arch member20, 22 with a strap. In another iteration of the present invention, theshoulder cap 34, 36 is flexibly, permanently attached to the epaulet 30,32 with a strap. In some embodiments, a soft shoulder cap pad 38, 40 maybe permanently affixed to the underside of the shoulder cap 34, 36. Theright shoulder cap 34 and shoulder cap pad 38 are bilaterallysymmetrical to the left shoulder cap 36 and shoulder cap pad 40. One ofordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitableconfigurations for a shoulder cap, and embodiments of the presentinvention are contemplated for use with any such configuration.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shoulder capassembly 34, 36 overlies and protects the deltoid muscle of theparticipant, wherein the epaulet 30, 32 and arch member 20, 22 overliethe A.C. area and the upper deltoid muscle region. Described in adifferent manner, the shoulder cap 34, 36 also overlies the acromionbone of the wearer, where the acromion is the lateral extension of thespine of the scapula, and the epaulet 30, 32 overlies both the archmember 20, 22 and the cap 34, 36.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, each body archmember 20, 22 comprises a front or chest portion, and a rear or backportion, thereof. In a preferred embodiment, an adjustable connection isprovided between the front and rear portions of the arch member 20, 22.The adjustable connection means may comprise a belt 48 and bucklearrangement 50. According to a preferred embodiment, the belt 48 ispermanently attached to the rear portion of the arch member 20, 22 andnon-permanently affixed to the front portion of the arch member 20, 22with a hook and loop strap, a latch mechanism, button, or other means ofattachment. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that thereare many suitable connector mechanisms that could be used as adjustableconnection means for connecting the front and rear portions of the bodyarch member, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplatedfor use with any such connector mechanisms.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the arch members20, 22, the epaulets 30, 32, and the shoulder caps 34, 36 can be made ofa material having the requisite strength and rigidity requirements towithstand the forces of impact incurred during a contact sport. In apreferred embodiment, the arch members 20, 22, the epaulets 30, 32, andthe shoulder caps 34, 36 are formed from a polypropylene compositematerial, while the interior pads 24, 26, the shoulder cap pads 38, 40,and the pectoral pads 42, 44 can be made of an impact absorbent, foampadding. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that thereare many materials that would be suitable for use in a shoulder padapparatus, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated foruse with any such material.

Turning now to FIGS. 4-6, an alternate preferred embodiment of ashoulder pad assembly 110 in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. The shoulder pad 110 is configured to be worn by aparticipant of a contact sport, such as football, hockey or lacrosse. Inthe preferred embodiment, the shoulder pad 110 comprises a first orright body arch member 120, a second or left body arch member 122, aright interior pad assembly 124 flexibly connected to the right bodyarch member 120, and a left interior pad assembly 126 flexibly connectedto the left body arch member 122. Thus, the arch member 120, 122 is asingle piece that extends between the wearer's lower chest region andlower back region. The right arch member 120 and right interior arch pad124 are bilaterally symmetrical to the left arch member 122 and the leftinterior pad 126. In the preferred embodiment, the shoulder pad assembly110 further comprises a right interior pad assembly 124 removablyaffixed to the right body arch member 120 and a left interior padassembly 126 removably affixed to the left body arch member 122.Alternatively, the interior pad assemblies 124, 126 are permanentlyaffixed to the respective body arch members 120, 122. A main body isdefined by the left and right body arch members 120, 122 which areoperably joined to form the main body. The main body generally overliesthe player's A.C. area and help to protect that area. The terms player,participant and wearer are used herein to denote a person that wears theshoulder pad assembly 110 for use in a contact sport.

As shown in FIG. 4-5, the front portions of the body arch members 120,122 are connected by non-permanent attachment 128 over the wearer'ssternum. Each body arch member 120, 122 comprises at least one means foradjustably connecting the front portion 128. In the preferredembodiment, the non-permanent attachment 128 could be laces, buttons,straps, hook and loop, or any number of attachment mechanisms. One theother hand, the rear portions of the arch members 120, 122 are spaced adistance apart and are connected by at least one strap or hinge (notshown) affixed to the arch members 120, 122. The rear portion of thearch members 120, 122 are generally permanently attached, but may bedetachable so as to be adapted for use in a particular contact sport.One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the arch memberscould be connectable with a variety of attachment mechanisms, andembodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with anysuch attachment mechanisms.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a pectoral pad 142,144 is attached to the upper front portion of the arch member 120, 122.In the preferred embodiment, the pectoral pad 142, 144 extends laterallyfrom the arch member, where the pectoral pad 142, 144 is flexiblyattached to the arch member 120, 122 by means of a strap. Additionally,the pectoral pad 142, 144 may be permanently attached to the arch member120, 122. In the preferred embodiment, the right pectoral pad 142 isbilaterally symmetrical to the left pectoral pad 144. One of ordinaryskill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitableconfigurations for a pectoral pad, and embodiments of the presentinvention are contemplated for use with any such configuration.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shoulder padmay further comprise epaulets 130, 132 that rests over the shoulder orupper portion of each arch member 120, 122. Unlike conventional shoulderpad epaulets, which are generally thin and flat, the present inventionepaulet 130, 132 extends vertically. In the preferred embodiment, theepaulet 130, 132 is generally L-shaped, increasing in height from thelateral boundary to the medial line of the shoulder pad, while curvedanterior to posterior to match the curvature of the shoulder. As aresult, the epaulet 130, 132 creates a deflection protrusion to divertthe force of an impact up and away from the user's head. In thepreferred embodiment, the epaulet 130, 132 connects to the arch member120, 122 with at least one flexible, permanent strap and covers theupper, lateral portion of the arch member 120, 122, as well as coveringa portion of the shoulder cap 134, 136. The anterior portion of theepaulet 130, 132 is generally swept back so as not to block the wear'sview. Additionally, the height of the epaulet 130, 132 is beloweye-level of the wearer. In the preferred embodiment, the posteriorportion of the epaulet 130, 132 tends to wrap medially around the backof the neck. The right epaulet 130 is bilaterally symmetrical to theleft epaulet 132. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate thatthere are many suitable designs for an epaulet, and embodiments of thepresent invention are contemplated for use with any such design.

At the lateral edge of the upper shoulder portion of each arch member120, 122 is the shoulder cap 134, 136. In the preferred embodiment, theshoulder cap 134, 136 is flexibly, permanently attached to the archmember 120, 122 with a strap. In another iteration of the presentinvention, the shoulder cap 134, 136 is flexibly, permanently attachedto the epaulet 130, 132 with a strap. In some embodiments, a softshoulder cap pad 138, 140 may be permanently affixed to the underside ofthe shoulder cap 134, 136. The right shoulder cap 134 and shoulder cappad 138 are bilaterally symmetrical to the left shoulder cap 136 andshoulder cap pad 140. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciatethat there are many suitable configurations for a shoulder cap, andembodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with anysuch configuration.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shoulder capassembly 134, 136 overlies and protects the deltoid muscle of theparticipant, wherein the epaulet 130, 132 and arch member 120, 122overlie the A.C. area and the upper deltoid muscle region. Described ina different manner, the shoulder cap 134, 136 also overlies the acromionbone of the wearer, where the acromion is the lateral extension of thespine of the scapula, and the epaulet 130, 132 overlies both the archmember 120, 122 and the cap 134, 136.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, each body archmember 120, 122 comprises a front or chest portion, and a rear or backportion, thereof. An adjustable connection is provided between the frontand rear portions of the arch member 120, 122. The adjustable connectionmeans may comprise a belt 148 and buckle arrangement 150. According to apreferred embodiment, the belt 148 is permanently attached to the rearportion of the arch member 120, 122 and non-permanently affixed to thefront portion of the arch member 120, 122 with a hook and loop strap, alatch mechanism, button, or other means of attachment. One of ordinaryskill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitable connectormechanisms that could be used as adjustable connection means forconnecting the front and rear portions of the body arch member, andembodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with anysuch connector mechanisms.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the arch members120, 122, the epaulets 130, 132, and the shoulder caps 134, 136 can bemade of a material having the requisite strength and rigidityrequirements to withstand the forces of impact incurred during a contactsport. In the preferred embodiment, the arch members 120, 122, theepaulets 130, 132, and the shoulder caps 134, 136 are formed from apolypropylene composite material, while the interior pads 124, 126, theshoulder cap pads 138, 140, and the pectoral pads 142, 144 can be madeof an impact absorbent, foam padding. One of ordinary skill in the artwould appreciate that there are many suitable connector mechanisms thatcould be used as adjustable connection means for connecting the frontand rear portions of the body arch member, and embodiments of thepresent invention are contemplated for use with any such connectormechanisms.

Turning now to FIGS. 7-9, a second alternate preferred embodiment of ashoulder pad assembly 210 in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. The shoulder pad 210 is configured to be worn by aparticipant of a contact sport, such as football, hockey or lacrosse. Inthe preferred embodiment, the shoulder pad 210 comprises a first orright body arch member 220, a second or left body arch member 222, aright interior pad assembly 224 flexibly connected to the right bodyarch member 220, and a left interior pad assembly 226 flexibly connectedto the left body arch member 222. Thus, the arch member 220, 222 is asingle piece that extends between the wearer's lower chest region andlower back region. The right arch member 220 and right interior arch pad224 are bilaterally symmetrical to the left arch member 222 and the leftinterior pad 226. In the preferred embodiment, the shoulder pad assembly210 further comprises a right interior pad assembly 224 removablyaffixed to the right body arch member 220 and a left interior padassembly 226 removably affixed to the left body arch member 222.Alternatively, the interior pad assemblies 224, 226 are permanentlyaffixed to the respective body arch members 220, 222. A main body isdefined by the left and right body arch members 220, 222 which areoperably joined to form the main body. The main body generally overliesthe player's A.C. area and help to protect this area. The terms player,participant and wearer are used herein to denote a person that wears theshoulder pad assembly 210 for use in a contact sport.

As shown in FIG. 7-8, the front portions of the body arch members 220,222 are connected by non-permanent attachment 228 over the wearer'ssternum. Each body arch member 220, 222 comprises at least one means foradjustably connecting the front portion 228. In the preferredembodiment, the non-permanent attachment 228 could be laces, buttons,straps, hook and loop, or any number of attachment mechanisms. The rearportions of the arch members 220, 222 are spaced a distance apart andare connected by at least one strap or hinge (not shown) affixed to thearch members 220, 222. The rear portion of the arch members 220, 222 aregenerally permanently attached, but may be detachable so as to beadapted for use in a particular contact sport. One of ordinary skill inthe art would appreciate that the arch members could be connectable witha variety of attachment mechanisms, and embodiments of the presentinvention are contemplated for use with any such attachment mechanisms.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a pectoral pad 242,244 is attached to the upper front portion of the arch member 220, 222.In the preferred embodiment, the pectoral pad 242, 244 extends laterallyfrom the arch member, where the pectoral pad 242, 244 is flexiblyattached to the arch member 220, 222 by means of a strap. Additionally,the pectoral pad 242, 244 may be permanently attached to the arch member220, 222. The right pectoral pad 242 is bilaterally symmetrical to theleft pectoral pad 244. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciatethat there are many suitable configurations for a pectoral pad, andembodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with anysuch configuration.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shoulder padmay further comprise epaulets 230, 232 that rests over the shoulder orupper portion of each arch member 220, 222. Unlike conventional shoulderpad epaulets, which are generally thin and flat, the present inventionepaulet 230, 232 extends vertically. In the preferred embodiment, theepaulet 230, 232 is generally L-shaped, increasing in height from themedial line to the lateral boundary of the shoulder pad, while curvedanterior to posterior to match the curvature of the shoulder. As aresult, the epaulet 230, 232 creates a deflection protrusion to divertthe force of an impact up and away from the user's head. In thepreferred embodiment, the epaulet 230, 232 connects to the arch member220, 222 with at least one flexible, permanent strap and covers theupper, lateral portion of the arch member 220, 222, as well as coveringa portion of the shoulder cap 234, 236. The anterior portion of theepaulet 230, 232 is generally swept back so as not to block the wear'sview. Additionally, the height of the epaulet 230, 232 is beloweye-level of the wearer. In the preferred embodiment, the posteriorportion of the epaulet 230, 232 tends to wrap medially around the backof the neck. The right epaulet 230 is bilaterally symmetrical to theleft epaulet 232. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate thatthere are many suitable designs for an epaulet, and embodiments of thepresent invention are contemplated for use with any such design.

At the lateral edge of the upper shoulder portion of each arch member220, 222 is the shoulder cap 234, 236. In the preferred embodiment, theshoulder cap 234, 236 is flexibly, permanently attached to the archmember 220, 222 with a strap. In another iteration of the presentinvention, the shoulder cap 234, 236 is flexibly, permanently attachedto the epaulet 230, 232 with a strap. A soft shoulder cap pad 238, 240may be permanently affixed to the underside of the shoulder cap 234,236. The right shoulder cap 234 and shoulder cap pad 238 are bilaterallysymmetrical to the left shoulder cap 236 and shoulder cap pad 240. Oneof ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are manysuitable configurations for a shoulder cap, and embodiments of thepresent invention are contemplated for use with any such configuration.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shoulder capassembly 234, 236 overlies and protects the deltoid muscle of theparticipant, wherein the epaulet 230, 232 and arch member 220, 222overlie the A.C. area and the upper deltoid muscle region. Described ina different manner, the shoulder cap 234, 236 also overlies the acromionbone of the wearer, where the acromion is the lateral extension of thespine of the scapula, and the epaulet 230, 232 overlies both the archmember 220, 222 and the cap 234, 236.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, each body archmember 220, 222 comprises a front or chest portion, and a rear or backportion, thereof. An adjustable connection is provided between the frontand rear portions of the arch member 220, 222. The adjustable connectionmeans may comprise a belt 248 and buckle arrangement 250. According to apreferred embodiment, the belt 248 is permanently attached to the rearportion of the arch member 220, 222 and non-permanently affixed to thefront portion of the arch member 220, 222 with a hook and loop strap, alatch mechanism, button, or other means of attachment. One of ordinaryskill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitable connectormechanisms that could be used as adjustable connection means forconnecting the front and rear portions of the body arch member, andembodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with anysuch connector mechanisms.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the body archmembers 220, 222, the epaulets 230, 232, and the shoulder caps 234, 236can be made of a material having the requisite strength and rigidityrequirements to withstand the forces of impact incurred during a contactsport. In the preferred embodiment, the arch members 220, 222, theepaulets 230, 232, and the shoulder caps 234, 236 are formed from apolypropylene composite material, while the interior pads 224, 226, theshoulder cap pads 238, 240, and the pectoral pads 242, 244 can be madeof an impact absorbent, foam padding. One of ordinary skill in the artwould appreciate that there are many suitable connector mechanisms thatcould be used as adjustable connection means for connecting the frontand rear portions of the body arch member, and embodiments of thepresent invention are contemplated for use with any such connectormechanisms.

Turning now to FIGS. 10-12, a third alternate preferred embodiment of ashoulder pad assembly 310 in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. The shoulder pad 310 is configured to be worn by aparticipant of a contact sport, such as football, hockey or lacrosse. Inthe preferred embodiment, the shoulder pad 310 comprises a first orright body arch member 320, a second or left body arch member 322, aright interior pad assembly 324 flexibly connected to the right bodyarch member 320, and a left interior pad assembly 326 flexibly connectedto the left body arch member 322. Thus, the arch member 320, 322 is asingle piece that extends between the wearer's lower chest region andlower back region. The right arch member 320 and right interior arch pad324 are bilaterally symmetrical to the left arch member 322 and the leftinterior pad 326. In the preferred embodiment, the shoulder pad assembly310 further comprises a right interior pad assembly 324 removablyaffixed to the right body arch member 320 and a left interior padassembly 326 removably affixed to the left body arch member 322.Alternatively, the interior pad assemblies 324, 326 are permanentlyaffixed to the respective body arch members 320, 322. A main body isdefined by the left and right body arch members 320, 322 which areoperably joined to form the main body. The main body generally overliesthe player's A.C. area and help to protect this area. The terms player,participant and wearer are used herein to denote a person that wears theshoulder pad assembly 310 for use in a contact sport.

As shown in FIG. 10-11, the front portions of the body arch members 320,322 are connected by non-permanent attachment 328 over the wearer'ssternum. Each body arch member 320, 322 comprises at least one means foradjustably connecting the front portion 328. In the preferredembodiment, the non-permanent attachment 328 could be laces, buttons,straps, hook and loop, or any number of attachment mechanisms. The rearportions of the arch members 320, 322 are spaced a distance apart andare connected by at least one strap or hinge (not shown) affixed to thearch members 320, 322. The rear portion of the arch members 320, 322 aregenerally permanently attached, but may be detachable so as to beadapted for use in a particular contact sport. One of ordinary skill inthe art would appreciate that the arch members could be connectable witha variety of attachment mechanisms, and embodiments of the presentinvention are contemplated for use with any such attachment mechanisms.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a pectoral pad 342,344 is attached to the upper front portion of the arch member 320, 322.In the preferred embodiment, the pectoral pad 342, 344 extends laterallyfrom the arch member, where the pectoral pad 342, 344 is flexiblyattached to the arch member 320, 322 by means of a strap. Additionally,the pectoral pad 342, 344 may be permanently attached to the arch member320, 322. The right pectoral pad 342 is bilaterally symmetrical to theleft pectoral pad 344. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciatethat there are many suitable configurations for a pectoral pad, andembodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with anysuch configuration.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shoulder padmay further comprise epaulets 330, 332 that rests over the shoulder orupper portion of each arch member 320, 322. Unlike conventional shoulderpad epaulets, which are generally thin and flat, the present inventionepaulet 330, 332 extends vertically. In the preferred embodiment, theepaulet 330, 332 is generally block-shaped, while curved anterior toposterior to match the curvature of the shoulder. As a result, theepaulet 330, 332 creates a deflection protrusion to divert the force ofan impact up and away from the user's head. In the preferred embodiment,the epaulet 330, 332 connects to the arch member 320, 322 with at leastone flexible, permanent strap and covers the upper, lateral portion ofthe arch member 320, 322, as well as covering a portion of the shouldercap 334, 336. The anterior portion of the epaulet 330, 332 is generallyswept back so as not to block the wear's view. Additionally, the heightof the epaulet 330, 332 is below eye-level of the wearer. In thepreferred embodiment, the posterior portion of the epaulet 330, 332tends to wrap medially around the back of the neck. The right epaulet330 is bilaterally symmetrical to the left epaulet 332. One of ordinaryskill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitable designsfor an epaulet, and embodiments of the present invention arecontemplated for use with any such design.

At the lateral edge of the upper shoulder portion of each arch member320, 322 is the shoulder cap 334, 336. In the preferred embodiment, theshoulder cap 334, 336 is flexibly, permanently attached to the archmember 320, 322 with a strap. In another iteration of the presentinvention, the shoulder cap 334, 336 is flexibly, permanently attachedto the epaulet 330, 332 with a strap. A soft shoulder cap pad 338, 340may be permanently affixed to the underside of the shoulder cap 334,336. The right shoulder cap 334 and shoulder cap pad 338 are bilaterallysymmetrical to the left shoulder cap 336 and shoulder cap pad 340. Oneof ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are manysuitable configurations for a shoulder cap, and embodiments of thepresent invention are contemplated for use with any such configuration.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shoulder capassembly 334, 336 overlies and protects the deltoid muscle of theparticipant, wherein the epaulet 330, 332 and arch member 320, 322overlie the A.C. area and the upper deltoid muscle region. Described ina different manner, the shoulder cap 334, 336 also overlies the acromionbone of the wearer, where the acromion is the lateral extension of thespine of the scapula, and the epaulet 330, 332 overlies both the archmember 320, 322 and the cap 334, 336.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, each body archmember 320, 322 comprises a front or chest portion, and a rear or backportion, thereof. An adjustable connection is provided between the frontand rear portions of the arch member 320, 322. The adjustable connectionmeans may comprise a belt 348 and buckle arrangement 350. According to apreferred embodiment, the belt 348 is permanently attached to the rearportion of the arch member 320, 322 and non-permanently affixed to thefront portion of the arch member 320, 322 with a hook and loop strap, alatch mechanism, button, or other means of attachment. One of ordinaryskill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitable connectormechanisms that could be used as adjustable connection means forconnecting the front and rear portions of the body arch member, andembodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with anysuch connector mechanisms.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the arch members320, 322, the epaulets 330, 332, and the shoulder caps 334, 336 can bemade of a material having the requisite strength and rigidityrequirements to withstand the forces of impact incurred during a contactsport. In the preferred embodiment, the arch members 320, 322, theepaulets 330, 332, and the shoulder caps 334, 336 are formed from apolypropylene composite material, while the interior pads 324, 326, theshoulder cap pads 338, 340, and the pectoral pads 342, 344 can be madeof an impact absorbent, foam padding. Conversely, the epaulets 330, 332can be made of an impact absorbent, foam padding as well. One ofordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitableconnector mechanisms that could be used as adjustable connection meansfor connecting the front and rear portions of the body arch member, andembodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with anysuch connector mechanisms.

Turning now to FIGS. 13-15, a fourth alternate preferred embodiment of ashoulder pad assembly 410 in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. The shoulder pad 410 is configured to be worn by aparticipant of a contact sport, such as football, hockey or lacrosse. Inthe preferred embodiment, the shoulder pad 410 comprises a first orright body arch member 420, a second or left body arch member 422, aright interior pad assembly 424 flexibly connected to the right bodyarch member 420, and a left interior pad assembly 426 flexibly connectedto the left body arch member 422. Thus, the arch member 420, 422 is asingle piece that extends between the wearer's lower chest region andlower back region. The right arch member 420 and right interior arch pad424 are bilaterally symmetrical to the left arch member 422 and the leftinterior pad 426. In the preferred embodiment, the shoulder pad assembly410 further comprises a right interior pad assembly 424 removablyaffixed to the right body arch member 420 and a left interior padassembly 426 removably affixed to the left body arch member 422.Alternatively, the interior pad assemblies 424, 426 are permanentlyaffixed to the respective body arch members 420, 422. A main body isdefined by the left and right body arch members 420, 422 which areoperably joined to form the main body. The main body generally overliesthe player's A.C. area and help to protect this area. The terms player,participant and wearer are used herein to denote a person that wears theshoulder pad assembly 410 for use in a contact sport.

As shown in FIG. 13-14, the front portions of the body arch members 420,422 are connected by non-permanent attachment 428 over the wearer'ssternum. Each body arch member 420, 422 comprises at least one means foradjustably connecting the front portion 428. In the preferredembodiment, the non-permanent attachment 428 could be laces, buttons,straps, hook and loop, or any number of attachment mechanisms. The rearportions of the arch members 420, 422 are spaced a distance apart andare connected by at least one strap or hinge (not shown) affixed to thearch members 420, 422. The rear portion of the arch members 420, 422 aregenerally permanently attached, but may be detachable so as to beadapted for use in a particular contact sport. One of ordinary skill inthe art would appreciate that the arch members could be connectable witha variety of attachment mechanisms, and embodiments of the presentinvention are contemplated for use with any such attachment mechanisms.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a pectoral pad 442,444 is attached to the upper front portion of the arch member 420, 422.In the preferred embodiment, the pectoral pad 442, 444 extends laterallyfrom the arch member, where the pectoral pad 442, 444 is flexiblyattached to the arch member 420, 422 by means of a strap. Additionally,the pectoral pad 442, 444 may be permanently attached to the arch member420, 422. The right pectoral pad 442 is bilaterally symmetrical to theleft pectoral pad 444. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciatethat there are many suitable configurations for a pectoral pad, andembodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with anysuch configuration.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shoulder padmay further comprise shoulder epaulets 430, 432 that rests over theshoulder or upper portion of each arch member 420, 422. In embodimentshown in FIG. 13-15, the epaulets 420, 422 are generally thin and flat.In that embodiment, the epaulet 430, 432 connects to the arch member420, 422 with at least one flexible, permanent strap and covers theupper, lateral portion of the arch member 320, 322, as well as coveringa portion of the shoulder cap 434, 436. The right epaulet 430 isbilaterally symmetrical to the left epaulet 432. One of ordinary skillin the art would appreciate that there are many suitable designs for anepaulet, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated foruse with any such design.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shoulder padmay further comprise rigid protrusions extending vertically from theupper portion of the arch member 420, 422. In a preferred embodiment,the vertical protrusion 454, 456 is located between the epaulet 420, 422and the neck opening of the shoulder pad 410. As a result of thisconfiguration, the vertical protrusion 454, 456 creates a deflectionprotrusion to divert the force of an impact up and away from the user'shead. The anterior portion of the protrusion 454, 456 is generally sweptback so as not to block the wear's view. Additionally, the height of theprotrusion 454, 456 is below eye-level of the wearer. The posteriorportion of the protrusion 454, 456 tends to wrap medially around theback of the neck. The right vertical protrusion 454 is bilaterallysymmetrical to the left vertical protrusion 456. One of ordinary skillin the art would appreciate that there are many suitable designs forvertical protrusion, and embodiments of the present invention arecontemplated for use with any such design.

At the lateral edge of the upper shoulder portion of each arch member420, 422 is the shoulder cap 434, 436. In the preferred embodiment, theshoulder cap 434, 436 is flexibly, permanently attached to the archmember 420, 422 with a strap. In another iteration of the presentinvention, the shoulder cap 434, 436 is flexibly, permanently attachedto the epaulet 430, 432 with a strap. A soft shoulder cap pad 438, 440may be permanently affixed to the underside of the shoulder cap 434,436. The right shoulder cap 434 and shoulder cap pad 438 are bilaterallysymmetrical to the left shoulder cap 436 and shoulder cap pad 440. Oneof ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are manysuitable configurations for a shoulder cap, and embodiments of thepresent invention are contemplated for use with any such configuration.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shoulder capassembly 434, 436 overlies and protects the deltoid muscle of theparticipant, wherein the epaulet 430, 432 and arch member 420, 422overlie the A.C. area and the upper deltoid muscle region. Described ina different manner, the shoulder cap 434, 436 also overlies the acromionbone of the wearer, where the acromion is the lateral extension of thespine of the scapula, and the epaulet 430, 432 overlies both the archmember 420, 422 and the cap 434, 436.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, each body archmember 420, 422 comprises a front or chest portion, and a rear or backportion, thereof. An adjustable connection is provided between the frontand rear portions of the arch member 420, 422. The adjustable connectionmeans may comprise a belt 448 and buckle arrangement 450. According to apreferred embodiment, the belt 448 is permanently attached to the rearportion of the arch member 420, 422 and non-permanently affixed to thefront portion of the arch member 420, 422 with a hook and loop strap, alatch mechanism, button, or other means of attachment. One of ordinaryskill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitable connectormechanisms that could be used as adjustable connection means forconnecting the front and rear portions of the body arch member, andembodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with anysuch connector mechanisms.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the arch members420, 422, the epaulets 430, 432, the shoulder caps 434, 436, as well asthe vertical protrusion 454, 456 can be made of a material having therequisite strength and rigidity requirements to withstand the forces ofimpact incurred during a contact sport. In the preferred embodiment, thearch members 420, 422, the epaulets 430, 432, and the shoulder caps 434,436 are formed from a polypropylene composite material and the interiorpads 424, 426, the shoulder cap pads 438, 440, and the pectoral pads442, 444 can be made of an impact absorbent, foam padding. One ofordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are many suitableconnector mechanisms that could be used as adjustable connection meansfor connecting the front and rear portions of the body arch member, andembodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with anysuch connector mechanisms.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of thepresent invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis detailed description. There may be aspects of this invention thatmay be practiced without the implementation of some features as they aredescribed. It should be understood that some details have not beendescribed in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure focus of theinvention. The invention is capable of myriad modifications in variousobvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to beregarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

What is claimed is:
 1. A shoulder pad apparatus, said apparatuscomprising: two body arch portions, each of said body arch portionscomprising a front portion, an upper portion with an outer edge andcurved inner edge, and a rear portion, wherein said front portion ofeach body arch portion and said rear portion of each body arch portionform a central opening defined by said curved inner edge of each bodyarch portion; a shoulder cap assembly on each of said body arch portionsthat is operably connected to said outer edge of said upper portion ofeach of said body portions; and an epaulet on each of said body archportions and comprising an outer face and an inner face, wherein saidepaulet extends vertically from said upper portion of said body archportion such that said epaulet covers and abuts both a portion of saidupper portion of said body arch portion and a portion said shoulder capassembly.
 2. The shoulder pad apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of saidbody arch portions is substantially bilaterally symmetrical.
 3. Theshoulder pad apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said body archportions is configured to extend continuously over the shoulders ofwearer with said front portion covering the chest of said wearer, theupper portion covering the shoulders of said wearer, and the rearportion covering the upper back of said wearer.
 4. The shoulder padapparatus of claim 1, further comprising an interior pad assemblyreversibly connected to and covering at least a portion of an innersurface of said body arch portions.
 5. The shoulder pad apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said epaulet has an anterior portion with a sweptbackfront vertical edge.
 6. The shoulder pad apparatus of claim 1, whereinsaid epaulet is a sloped projection that increases in height from saidouter edge to said curved inner edge of said upper portion of said bodyarch portion.
 7. The shoulder pad apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidepaulet is an L-shaped projection that increases in height from saidouter edge to said curved inner edge of said upper portion of said bodyarch portion and said outer face of said epaulet has a concave portion.8. The shoulder pad apparatus of claim 1, wherein said epaulet is anL-shaped projection that increases in height from said curved inner edgeto said outer edge of said upper portion of said body arch portion andsaid inner face of said epaulet has a concave portion.
 9. The shoulderpad apparatus of claim 1, wherein said epaulet is a block-shapedprojection that is substantially even in height from said outer face ofsaid epaulet to said inner face of said epaulet.
 10. A shoulder padapparatus, said apparatus comprising: two body arch portions, each ofsaid body arch portions comprising a front portion, an upper portionwith an outer edge and curved inner edge, and a rear portion, whereinsaid front portion of each body arch portion and said rear portion ofeach body arch portion form a central opening defined by said curvedinner edge of each body arch portion; a shoulder cap assembly on each ofsaid body arch portions that is operably connected to said outer edge ofsaid upper portion of said body portion; an epaulet on each of said bodyarch portions that is contoured to cover both a portion of said upperportion of said body arch portion and a portion of said shoulder capassembly; and a protrusion on each of said body arch portions thatprojects vertically from said upper portion of said body arch portion.11. The shoulder apparatus of claim 10, wherein said protrusion isformed between said epaulet and said curved inner edge of said upperportion of each of said body arch portions.
 12. The shoulder padapparatus of claim 10, wherein said protrusion has an anterior portionwith a sweptback front vertical edge.
 13. The shoulder pad apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein said protrusion has an anterior portion and aposterior portion that extends away from said anterior portion in asubstantially perpendicular direction towards said curved inner edge ofsaid upper portion of said body arch portion.
 14. A shoulder padapparatus, said apparatus comprising: two epaulets each comprising anouter face and an inner face and extending vertically from an upperportion of said shoulder pad apparatus, wherein there is one of saidepaulets positioned on each side of said shoulder pad apparatus betweena medial line of said shoulder pad apparatus and a lateral edge on eachof said sides of said shoulder pad apparatus.
 15. The shoulder padapparatus of claim 14, wherein said epaulet has an anterior portion witha sweptback front vertical edge.
 16. The shoulder pad apparatus of claim14, wherein said epaulet has an anterior portion and a posterior portionthat extends away from said anterior portion in a substantiallyperpendicular direction towards said medial line of said shoulder padapparatus.
 17. The shoulder pad apparatus of claim 14, wherein saidepaulet is a sloped projection that increases in height from saidlateral edge of said shoulder pad apparatus to said medial line of saidshoulder pad apparatus.
 18. The shoulder pad apparatus of claim 14,wherein said epaulet is an L-shaped projection that increases in heightfrom said lateral edge of said shoulder pad apparatus to said medialline of said shoulder pad apparatus and said outer face of said epaulethas a concave portion.
 19. The shoulder pad apparatus of claim 14,wherein said epaulet is an L-shaped projection that increases in heightfrom said medial line of said shoulder pad apparatus to said lateraledge of said shoulder pad apparatus and said inner face of said epaulethas a concave portion.
 20. The shoulder pad apparatus of claim 14,wherein said epaulet is a block-shaped projection that is substantiallyeven in height from said outer face of said epaulet to said inner faceof said epaulet.